The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 475

"I'd like you to take a look at my girlfriend," Stefan said.

Before retiring, Maxine Zeller was one of the nation's leading reproductive endocrinologists, specializing in female infertility. Hearing this, Maxine immediately understood the situation.

"Of course. But I have to be honest with you, Stefan—I can't guarantee a miracle. If it turns out it's untreatable..."

"That's perfectly fine," Stefan replied evenly. "I just don't want her to carry the weight of this on her own. Whether we have children or not, we're going to be together forever."

Even though Winona rarely spoke of it, he knew deep down she longed to be a mother.

Maxine smiled warmly. "I never pegged you as a hopeless romantic, Stefan."

Sitting beside them, Ophelia dug her nails so hard into her palms they nearly bled. Winona couldn't even give him a child, yet Stefan still chose her. Why was he willing to accept a flawed Winona, but refused to even look at her?

After dinner, Stefan offered to drive Yorke and Maxine home.

"No need," Maxine laughed. "Did you forget I grew up here? We know our way back. Besides, Yorke and I want to take a walk downtown. Go on ahead."

Stefan nodded and bid them goodnight. Ophelia sat in her wheelchair, looking up at him with tear-filled, desperate eyes.

"Stefan, you know I'm the better choice. A family like yours needs an heir. How can you accept someone who can't provide that?"

Stefan looked down at her with pure ice in his veins. "You understand nothing, Ophelia. In my relationship with Winona, having children is the least important factor. The only reason I'm asking Maxine for help is because Winona wants to be a mother. As for whether she and I are a good match, that's my decision. I don't need your input."

Ophelia's eyes turned red. Seeing him turn away, she lunged forward to grab him, intentionally letting herself fall from the wheelchair to the pavement, hoping to spark his sympathy.

Stefan didn't even flinch. "I've seen your medical files, Ophelia. Can you really not stand up?"

Ophelia froze in terror, staring at him in utter disbelief. Margaret had explicitly ordered her medical records altered. How could he possibly know?

He paused. "Before she retired, Maxine was one of the top fertility experts in the country."

Seeing the light dim in Winona's eyes, he immediately took her hands in his. "It's just a consultation. If there's a natural way to help, great. But if the treatments are going to cause you pain, we won't do it. If it bothers you, I'll go get a vasectomy tomorrow. I'd love to be happily child-free with you."

Winona desperately wanted a child with him. She let out a wet laugh. "What's the rush? I'm not that fragile. You went out of your way to find the best doctor for me. I'm actually really happy."

Stefan pulled her into his arms, kissing her temple. "You need to know that kids aren't a requirement for me, Winona. Even if the news is bad, it changes nothing. As long as I have you, I have everything."

Winona rested her head against his chest. "Okay."

*

The next day, Ezra reported that Cynthia had shown up at the salon again. The previous times, Ezra had managed to scare her off. But this time was different. Cynthia had brought a lawyer and served Helena with papers, formally suing for custody of Greta.